The Barfo Scale

[Albin31]

Based on every time I have gone out this year, I am proposing a new weather prediction scale to supplement the Beaufort Scale which would measure the seasickness probability for the day. I propose it be called the Barfo Scale.

Initially, I thought that based on a crew of 4, if the Barfo (B) scale was 2 or less, i.e., < 2 out of 4 sick, less than then the day would be a go. B > 2 would mean 3 or more out of 4 sick, and the day should be scrubbed.

However, SWMBO, a math major, points out that the formula needs to be more complex, with factors B(c), for the Captain, B(m) for mates, defined as competent others on board who can bait, catch and bring the boat home, and B(g), for guests, who are basically useless except for there ability to pay.

It would be the responsibility of the captain to determine the weighing factors, but in my experience, B(c) can be assigned a factor of .05, i.e., 5 out of 100 chances to get sick. B(m) can be assigned a .2, i.e., 2 out of 10 chances to get sick, and B(g) can be assumed to be .4.

Therefore, for safety, M + 1 - B(c) - B(m) must be > 2.

B(g) can approach infinity as a limit, except ability to pay may be impaired. However, this would be offset by the amount of beer and chicken consumed.

So if the weather service issued a Barfo of 10, and a boat with captain and 3 mates were going out:
M + 1 - B(c) - B(m) would = 1.5 and the day would be a no go.
(3 mates + 1 captain - .5 {10xB(captain) at .05} – 2 {10xB(mates) at .2} = 1.5

However, this is just in the planning stages and I’d like so of out more learned fellows to weight in. Your thoughts please.

[Greg Manning]

Amen to that...I have taken 2 new guys fishing this year (separate guys and separate trips)...both days predicted 2-4 with 5kt winds and both days 4-6 with 15-20kt winds when we got out there. I did save money on chum and had my pick of their food while they hung over the side or laid on the deck . Downside is trying to run the boat, help the sick and fish around them. I think my qouta for newbies has been met for the year!! Greg

[capt esquare]

I like it!!!

[Onebadhabit]

Albin31 - 6/25/2005 8:59 PM

Based on every time I have gone out this year, I am proposing a new weather prediction scale to supplement the Beaufort Scale which would measure the seasickness probability for the day. I propose it be called the Barfo Scale.

Initially, I thought that based on a crew of 4, if the Barfo (B) scale was 2 or less, i.e., < 2 out of 4 sick, less than then the day would be a go. B > 2 would mean 3 or more out of 4 sick, and the day should be scrubbed.

However, SWMBO, a math major, points out that the formula needs to be more complex, with factors B(c), for the Captain, B(m) for mates, defined as competent others on board who can bait, catch and bring the boat home, and B(g), for guests, who are basically useless except for there ability to pay.

It would be the responsibility of the captain to determine the weighing factors, but in my experience, B(c) can be assigned a factor of .05, i.e., 5 out of 100 chances to get sick. B(m) can be assigned a .2, i.e., 2 out of 10 chances to get sick, and B(g) can be assumed to be .4.

Therefore, for safety, M + 1 - B(c) - B(m) must be > 2.

B(g) can approach infinity as a limit, except ability to pay may be impaired. However, this would be offset by the amount of beer and chicken consumed.

So if the weather service issued a Barfo of 10, and a boat with captain and 3 mates were going out:
M + 1 - B(c) - B(m) would = 1.5 and the day would be a no go.
(3 mates + 1 captain - .5 {10xB(captain) at .05} – 2 {10xB(mates) at .2} = 1.5

However, this is just in the planning stages and I’d like so of out more learned fellows to weight in. Your thoughts please.

This is good and I see it is in the planning stages so I would like to add a few more factors to consider:
Depends on what the B(m) had for dinner the night before and if it was suitable for chum and if the B(m) or B(g) would produce chum when needed. If the B(c) finds a floating pallet holding Mahi then he needs something to hold the fish. If the B(m) or B(g) can produce "at will" then the multiplier is less than 1 and the B(c) should consider fishing.

Sometimes the B(m) or B(g) teeders on the edge of purging at which time the captain should give nature a gentle nudge by opening a can of beer and eating something like tuna or chicken salad. Fresh chum is achieved if the B(c) can get the B(m) or B(g) to partake in some of the chicken or tuna salad. Hence reducing the amount of W(f) {work} the B(c) has to perform in deploying chum.

[Albin31]

Based upon further research and analysis, the Nb {night before} factor needs to be calculated and added to the equation. My initial hypothesis suggests that Nb = (D*1.25 / S) –1 where D is drinks consumed and S is hours sleep. If Nb > 1 then it should be added to each individuals B(x).

For example, if mate1 (m1) has a normal B(m1) of .1, but has 6 drinks and sleeps 4 hours, then Nb(m1) = .875 {(6*1.25/4) – 1}. This added to the normal B(m1) of .1 so that the B(m1) = .975. So, there is a great probability that m1 will blow chucks in any conditions other than Barfo Force 0.

Therefore, the prudent captain will re-calculate B(x) factor for each crew member before each trip based upon each individuals Nb using the formula:

M + 1 - B(c+Nb(c)) - Sum(B(m1+Nb(1)):B(mx+Nb(x)))

Which must be > 2 to safely go offshore.

I am still working on where guests fall into the equation. They are generally not required to split expenses, but too high a B(g) will limit their largess. Additionally, it is hard to fish with bodies lying all over the cockpit.

This research and analysis is necessary because the last two times I've gone offshore, I had someone on board blow chunks ALL DAY LONG, and the bodies were hard to fish over.

I would like to thank each of you for your contributions to this most important project and ask others from our learned group to participate.

Albin31
fishing the chum line